The USPS system is a system that allows a customer or a small business to track the status of their package delivery. With every single shipment that you make, you get a unique ID that is known as your tracking ID. It is with the aid of your tracking ID that you can see the status of your shipment at all times. But there are times when you get the message that “USPS Tracking is not Updating”. In the course of this article, we will learn everything that there is about this error and most importantly, how to fix it.
USPS Tracking Not Updating, What it means
“USPS Tracking not Updating” simply mean that the package was not scanned, and there is no new tracking information. It could also mean that the current location of the package is not known or has not recently been changed. The message could also imply that the package has arrived for delivery but has not been processed for delivery.
Some Reasons you might get the Error Message
Most of the time, there can be a lot of reasons the ‘USPS tracking not updating’ problem can occur. Here are three main reasons that we have elucidated about why you might get this error message.
1. The parcel you want to track was not scanned.
It is possible to have your package on its way, and it will be at your address at the appointed delivery date. It is also possible that for some reason, it does not get scanned in the process. It is also possible that the USPS courier that is in charge of your parcel is carrying a Barcode scanner that is malfunctioning. It is also possible that the USPS courier forgot to scan your parcel.
It is important to note that if your parcel has not been scanned for 14 hours, you will get a “USPS Tracking not updating” error. There are also circumstances that can prevent your shipment from getting scanned by a USPS courier.
2. You might get the error message due to weather conditions
It is important to note that most of the time; the packages do not arrive at the intermediate stops on time due to the poor weather conditions. This could be due to heavy rainfall, snow, or even a thunderstorm. This might cause the parcel to get stuck in the middle of the road. With these kinds of weather-obstructing scenarios, the parcel might be delayed in the delivery or scanning process.
3. Delay from the USPS Carrier
Lastly, there might be a situation where a delivery worker ends their shift. In such situations, they leave your shipment in the truck or take it back to the delivery center. If this is the reason for your parcel delay, no worries, your shipment will be delivered the following day. Other factors that can cause a delay from the end of the Carriers are; Flat tire, sickness of the driver, or truck malfunction.
What you can do to get your Tracking Information
If your USPS tracking is not updating for a reasonable amount of time, then you should think about getting your tracking information updated. Here are some practical steps that you can follow to get your correct tracking information.
- Get your USPS shipping receipt
- If you made an insurance purchase at USPS, then check the sales receipt.
- Another way to get your tracking information is from the bottom peel-off the tracking label.
- You can also find your tracking information from the confirmation email from USPS.
It is important to note that you can still enter the correct tracking number and still be faced with the “USPS tracking not updating error”.
If this is the case with you, then wait a couple of days, as the Carrier can resolve the issues that were elucidated above. If waiting does not solve the issue, you can call the USPS customer service (1800- ASK- USPS). If that does not work, you can go in person to the last USPS facility that you received an update from. The moment your tracking details are updated you will see a change in the delivery status.
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Bottom Line
In conclusion, it is important to note that it can be frustrating when you can’t track your shipment with the USPS tracking system. As stated above, there are a lot of reasons why your USPS Tracking is not updating. As elucidated earlier, it could be a broken barcode, or bad weather, or even the fault of the shipment carrier. All the same, the best thing to do to resolve the matter is to be patient and wait for the United States Postal Service to take care of the situation.
I feel I’ve been extremely patient. I ordered a package from India. I was promised it would arrive in 10-12 business days. I ordered it January 8th and I still haven’t received it. It’s gotten to the point where usps doesn’t recognize the tracking number when I request text and email updates. I’m being ghosted slowly but eventually ghosted.
USPS is a joke. I’m switching to anything but USPS. It’s 2022, you should be able to pay for piece of mail delivered, know where it is and when it will arrive. It’s not rocket science.